Ketheric Thorm

Lord of Moonrise Towers and Chosen of Myrkul, kept immortal by the Nightsong.

Ketheric Thorm is the primary antagonist encountered during the second act of Baldur's Gate 3, ruling over the Shadow-Cursed Lands from his stronghold at Moonrise Towers. Once a noble figure in the region, he has become a tragic villain driven by an obsessive desire to reverse death itself. His reign is characterized by dark magic and necromancy, as he commands the local cultists who serve under him. While initially perceived as a servant of the Absolute, his true motivations stem from personal loss rather than grand cosmic ambitions.

Quick Facts

Role: Lord of Moonrise Towers; Antagonist
Location: Moonrise Towers
Key item: Soul Prism

Facts from the source article.

Background

Ketheric Thorm was once a respected leader and a Paladin dedicated to Tyr, the God of Justice. His life changed irrevocably when he sought to save his daughter, Katra, who had died years before the Shadow Curse was cast. Refusing to accept her death, he turned away from divine justice and sought power from darker entities, specifically making a pact with Myrkul, the Lord of the Dead. This bargain transformed him into an undead entity sustained by dark magic.

He seized control of Moonrise Towers, turning it into a fortress protected by magical wards and shadowy guardians. The Shadow Curse was enacted specifically to resurrect Katra using Shar's power, not to preserve Isobel. Today, Isobel survives as a living human at Last Light Inn in Act 2, where her own divine magic and the light of Selûne counteract the curse that blankets the surrounding lands. Despite his villainous actions, Ketheric remains a figure of profound tragedy.

He believes that saving his daughter justifies any sin committed along the way. His story serves as a cautionary tale within the Forgotten Realms about the dangers of grief unchecked and the corruption of good intentions when fueled by forbidden power.

Did You Know?

His daughter Isobel survives as a living human at Last Light Inn in Act 2, where her divine magic and Selûne's light counteract the curse.
The Soul Prism is a key item associated with Ketheric's power and his ability to manipulate souls.

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